Brodie Jake Dewar re-entered his plea of not guilty to an unlawful killing charge in Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on Wednesday, as the case over the death of Labor identity Tim Picton moved another step toward the Supreme Court. Dewar, 20, is on bail and will eventually face trial over the charge.

Mr Picton's widow, Priya Brown, was in court for the brief hearing. The charge concerns the alleged bashing of Picton in Northbridge, in Perth's inner city, in the early hours of December 27.

A Perth court had previously heard that Dewar and Picton came face-to-face outside the Paramount Nightclub after an incident inside the venue. Dewar allegedly struck Picton in the face, Picton fell to the ground and hit his head on the pavement, and he died in hospital several weeks later.

The case was committed for first appearance on August 24 in the Supreme Court, where Dewar will eventually face trial on the charge. Picton was described as a Labor identity who had advised state and federal politicians and helped guide WA Labor to a landslide 2021 election victory, and his death drew tributes from the prime minister, several premiers and business leaders.

The next formal step is the Supreme Court appearance on August 24, which will carry the case beyond the magistrates court and into the trial process. For Brown and Picton's supporters, the hearing marked another reminder that the alleged assault in Northbridge has now become a homicide case that is heading for a jury.